Hazlewood Ruled Out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s most dependable fast bowlers, has been officially ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India. This comes as a significant setback for the Australian team, particularly given Hazlewood’s exceptional performance in the first Test at Perth, where he bagged five crucial wickets. Initially sidelined for the second Test due to a low-grade left side injury, Hazlewood’s condition worsened, ruling him out for the remainder of the series.
Calf Strain Ends Hazlewood’s Participation
Hazlewood’s fitness issues resurfaced during the Gabba Test, where he bowled just six overs before suffering a right calf strain during the warm-ups on the fourth day. This unfortunate injury not only ended his involvement in the Brisbane match but also confirmed his unavailability for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests. Renowned for his precision, pace, and ability to maintain tight lines, Hazlewood’s absence leaves a gaping hole in Australia’s bowling attack.
A Stellar Career in International Cricket
Standing tall with an impeccable record in international cricket, Hazlewood has earned a reputation for his remarkable accuracy and effectiveness. Known as a Test cricket specialist, his skills have seamlessly transitioned to limited-overs formats, making him a sought-after player in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hazlewood’s Impact in the IPL
Despite being known as a traditional Test bowler, Hazlewood has proven his mettle in the high-pressure T20 format. His IPL journey began in 2014 when he joined the Mumbai Indians. Although he didn’t feature in any matches during his initial stint, Hazlewood utilized the opportunity to learn from the best in the game.
Early Stints with Mumbai Indians
- 2014 Season: INR 50,00,000
- 2015 Season: Opted out
Hazlewood’s true IPL career took off in 2020 with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he displayed glimpses of his brilliance.
Success with Chennai Super Kings
Hazlewood’s performance blossomed with CSK, especially in their 2021 title-winning campaign. Playing nine matches, he claimed 11 wickets and delivered critical spells under pressure, helping the team secure the championship.
- 2020 Season: INR 20,000,000
- 2021 Season: INR 20,000,000
A New Chapter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the 2022 IPL auction, Hazlewood was snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at a hefty price. He quickly became a standout performer for the franchise, taking 20 wickets in 12 matches during his debut season with RCB. His consistency and ability to deliver in key moments solidified his position as a vital part of the team.
- 2022 Season: INR 77,500,000
- 2023 Season: INR 77,500,000
A Brief Hiatus and Anticipated Return
The 2024 IPL season saw Hazlewood opting out due to personal reasons, as he welcomed the birth of his child. However, he remains committed to RCB and will return stronger in the 2025 season, having been retained for INR 125,000,000 in the recent auctions.
- 2024 Season: Opted out
- 2025 Season: INR 125,000,000
Hazlewood’s Legacy in Cricket
From being a disciplined bowler in Tests to proving his worth in T20 leagues, Josh Hazlewood has left an indelible mark on cricket. His contributions to the IPL, particularly during pivotal moments, highlight his adaptability and skill in the shortest format. As he gears up for his return in 2025, fans and analysts alike will eagerly await the continuation of his remarkable journey.(online casino india)